Luka Doncic returned to the hardwood after missing out on the last game against the Portland Trail Blazers. On his return, he played an influential game to defeat the West table toppers Minnesota Timberwolves with a 115-108 win. Following the win, the 24-year-old addressed the press, and flexed his uncanny strength while responding to a question about defense.
The Dallas Mavericks spearhead has continued from where he had left in the last season. He made his presence felt in the MVP conference consistently by churning in insane numbers. While he has been always lauded for his offensive abilities, the star felt that the hoops community hasn’t discussed his defense capabilities during the post-game press conference. Let’s find out more about it.
Luka Doncic flexes his defensive strength
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The Timberwolves started off the season on a high and still continued to ride on it, as they hold the #1 seed in the West. But, recently the same a little off-color, as they lost three out of the last four games. The Mavs were the latest to restrict the Wolves and pushed them into a rare lean patch. And their Sunday victory had a lot to do with Luka Doncic‘s brilliance on both ends of the court.
Luka and Kyrie Irving dropped 34 and 35 points respectively to finish the line comfortably. Following the game, the Slovenian star picked up the mic to reveal a concern and flexed his uncanny strength.
A reporter asked Doncic why he has been effective on the defensive end of the court, especially near the post. In response, Doncic gave a straightforward reply. He said, “Because I’m strong. People don’t think that. But I have one of the most powerful legs in the NBA, I think.” Here is the video clip of the uncanny flex.
"Because I'm strong. People don't think that. But I have one of the most powerful legs in the NBA, I think."
You heard the man. #MFFL | @dallasmavs on @BallySports 📺 pic.twitter.com/pcfSzr2h3N
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) January 8, 2024
However, it isn’t the same way how others perceive Doncic’s defense, especially his own coach, Jason Kidd
Let’s find out how the Mavs’ HC rate Doncic’s defense.
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Kidd criticized Luka’s defense
Doncic may have improved his defense in the last few months, but Jason Kidd had a pretty strong opinion about the star’s contribution on the other side of the court in March 2023. He said, “He’s got to play defense… There’s no secret — they’re going to put him in every pick-and-roll,” reported Sports Illustrated.
Moreover, he also brought in the example of former Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki, who also was criticized for his defense. Kidd added, “They did the same thing with Dirk until Dirk participated and stuck up for himself.” He also suggested asking for help. However, almost a year later, Doncic flexes his strength near the defensive post.
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What do you make of Luka’s statement? Is he really a strong defender? Let us know in the comments below.
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